Welcome all, We are pleased to announce that this year marks our 26th Consecutive Sellout! On behalf of the 2026 Honorary Chairs, welcome to the 26th Annual Fellowship Open Weekend! Over 26 consecutive years, we have raised millions of dollars to champion education and open pathways to successful careers for youth. This dream is made possible only by your generosity and support for this outstanding event! As of this year, the Fellowship Open has raised more than $5 million, which will continue to sustain youth programs and initiatives, impacting more than 160 organizations connected to Wisconsin. This tremendous outpouring of involvement endorses and guarantees dozens of educational, vocational, and recreational self-development learning experiences and results in positive youth development, advanced leadership training, and corporate engagement. The funding we’ve received has a measurable community impact affecting the educational journey from elementary to university achievement and beyond. The MKE Fellows, designed to eliminate graduation rate disparity for youth, has flourished as a core Fellowship Open initiative. Cohorts of MKE Fellows have graduated at levels which dramatically exceed national standards, providing real-world evidence that they are well on the way to greatness. These scholars are living testaments to the Fellowship Open’s mission and purpose. They serve as indisputable evidence of what can be achieved. Evolving the power of esteemed role models, each year the Fellowship Open takes pride in acknowledging civic and business leaders who exemplify a commitment to excellence, philanthropy, and service. This year we proudly recognize the achievements of Dr. Trisha Bailey, Richard Dent, and James H. Lowry.
2026 Honorees
Dr. Trisha Bailey
Richard Dent
James H. Lowry
2026 Fellowship Open
2026 Fellowship Open
2026 Fellowship Open
National Corporate Leadership Honoree
Legends Honoree
National Change Agent Honoree
Past Honorees 2025
Dr. Valerie Daniels-Carter Michele Hooper Charly Palmer Troy Vincent Chris Webber
2024
Vin Baker Cornell Boggs III Rickie Weeks
2023
Rich Poirier Jerome “The Bus” Bettis
2022
Charles R. Matthews Dr. John W. Carlos
2021
Dee M. Robinson LeRoy Butler
2020
2015
2019
2014
Darlene Austin Dan Bader Sidney Moncrief Jackie Joyner-Kersee Greg Marcus
2018
Dr. George Koonce LaRue Martin David Gruber Tommie Smith
2017
Thelma A. Sias Bob Dandridge
2016
Oscar Robertson Dr. Joan Prince
Bud Selig Earnie Ellison Jackie Herd-Barber Frank Robinson Vel Phillips
2013
Herb Kohl Charles Harvey
2012
Wayne Embry Sande Robinson
2011
Willie Davis Skip Robinson
Patty Cadorin
The Fellowship Open has honored many people over the past 26 years, for more information visit www.fellowshipopen.org
Thank You To Our Sponsors!
Corporate Leadership Circle Sponsors
Signature Sponsors
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
H&B Enterprises
Thank You To Our Sponsors!
Silver Sponsor
Youth Sponsors
Golf Hole Sponsors Breakthru Beverage Vincent Brown Diamond Discs International In Loving Memory of Dr. Emma Felder Goodwill Industries of Southeast Wisconsin Greater Milwaukee Urban League
HJ Russell & Company JP Morgan Landmark Credit Union MMAC My Soul Brew Charles Schwab Spann & Associates LLC Tom Tiffany
Dinner Sponsor
Breakfast Sponsor Michele Hooper
Lunch Sponsor
Media Sponsors
2026
YOUTH AWARD RECIPIENTS
Community Arts & Funk Festival
Sports Analytics Club Program
Neu-Life Community Development
STEAM Open
Over the past 26 years, the Fellowship Open has proudly raised more than $5 million in contributions to support youth programs.
Past Major Award Recipients 2025
CAPITA Productions Milwaukee Education Partnership Ko-Thi Dance Company Sports Analytics Club Program (SACP)
2024
TBEY Arts Strength Of Savior Center Sports Analytics Club Program
2023
The School of The New York Times The Watchmen Mentor Greater Milwaukee Kenya Outreach
2022
Golda Meir Sports Analytics Club Program (SACP) Kappa League Lead Generation Leading Change Africa
2021
Simba Soccer Butler vs Bullying by LeRoy Butler MKE Fellows/ Sports Analytics Club Program (SACP) t.Lab
2020
Moncrief Game Changer Five Pillars/Metcalfe School Virtual Tutoring Project Dr. Howard Fuller Collegiate Academy
2019
African American Male Initiative Black and Latino Male Achievement Operation DREAM
2018
100 Black Men - Madison Black Arts Fest MKE Signature Dance Company
2017
Black Arts MKE, Inc. Northcott Neighborhood House One Accord Foundation, Inc. Wisconsin Black Historical Society Milwaukee Chapter of The Links, Inc.
Weekend at a Glance 2026 Fellowship Open Thursday, August 20-Saturday, August 22, 2026
Thursday, August 20, 2026 Practice Golf | 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Tripoli Country Club | 7401 N 43rd St, Brown Deer, WI 53209 *By Invitation Only*
Speciality Roundtables *By Invitation Only*
Opening Reception Dinner | Doors Open: 5:30 PM | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM 3200 W Hampton Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53209 Attire: Summer Social We will commence our weekend with an Opening Reception Dinner. We will pay tribute to the 2026 National Corporate Leadership Honoree of the Fellowship Open, Dr. Trisha Bailey, Legacy Honoree of the Fellowship Open, Richard Dent, and National Change Agent Honoree of the Fellowship Open, James H. Lowry.
Friday, August 21, 2026 26th Fellowship Open Golf Tournament | 6:00 AM Kettle Hills Golf Course | 3375 WI - 167, Richfield, WI 53076 Attire: Golf Apparel Golfers will play a round of scramble-style golf all morning long, rain or shine. There are special hole events and trivia along the course.
Building What’s Next | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Quarles | 411 E Wisconsin Ave #2400, Milwaukee, WI 53202 A Conversation on Scaling Businesses that Improve Lives While Creating Lasting Economic Impact.
Legends Awards Luncheon | 1:00 PM Kettle Hills Golf Course | 3375 WI - 167, Richfield, WI 53076 Guests, staff, and golfers will enjoy lunch during the program to honor the 2026 Fellowship Open Legends Honoree Richard Dent.
President’s BBQ | 6:30 PM Home of John & Erickajoy Daniels | 12518 N Saint Anne Ct, Mequon, WI 53092 Attire: Summer BBQ BBQ Dinner at the home of John & Erickajoy Daniels. A time of reconnecting and socializing with Fellowship Open guests and supporters. Enjoy live music and a wonderful buffet of cuisine by local chefs.
Saturday, August 22, 2026 The Legacy Experience | Departure: 7:30 AM | 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM | Return: 4:00 PM The Barack Obama Presidential Center | 6001 S Stony Island Ave, Chicago, IL 60637 Attire: Picture Perfect Casual A morning trip to Chicago to visit The Barack Obama Presidential Center. The experience will include guided exploration of exhibits, campus spaces, and surrounding grounds, along with opportunities for photos, reflection, and group engagement.
Chairman’s Circle Tournament | Morning Teeoff The Bog| 3121 County Road, Saukville, WI 53080 Attire: Golf Apparel The love of golf continues with the opportunity to experience the greens for foursomes looking for some continued competition and connection. *Limited Attendance*
Jazz On The Terrace | 5:30 PM Upper Bar| 111 E Kilbourn Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53202 Attire: Shades of Blue (Summer Chic) Join us for an unforgettable evening reception celebrating the Fellowship Open. Enjoy an atmosphere of connection and celebration, featuring Live Jazz.
Fresh Coast Jazz Festival | 9:00 PM Pabst Theater | 144 E Wells St, Milwaukee, WI 53202 *Ticketed Event* www.freshcoastjazz.com
Sunday, August 23, 2026 Morning Worship | 9:00 AM Holy Redeemer | 3500 W Mother Daniels Way, Milwaukee, WI 53209